Deal says this decision was based off of the 11 A.M. forecast, and recommended by officials with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Florence,” said Deal. “In light of the storm’s forecasted southward track after making landfall, I encourage Georgians to be prepared for the inland effects of the storm as well as the ensuing storm surge in coastal areas. GEMA/HS continues to lead our preparedness efforts as we coordinate with federal, state and local officials to provide public shelter and accommodate those evacuating from other states. Finally, I ask all Georgians to join me in praying for the safety of our people and all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.

This does not mean that the Georgia counties in our viewing area face a greater threat from Florence.

The governor's declaration suspends certain rules for trucking that restricts hours a trucker may drive and the size of their load. This helps ensures fuel and other critical supplies are able to be delivered.

This declaration also allows Gerogia Emergency Management and the Georgia Homeland Security to begin their Emergency Operations plan, and prevents prevents price gouging on goods and services.

Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue are urging all Georgians to take safety measures ahead of Florence's landfall.

“We have learned time and again that preparedness saves lives,” said Isakson. “As Hurricane Florence approaches the United States, it has the potential to affect Georgians. I urge all Georgians to be vigilant, stay updated and heed the advice of state and local officials and please take advantage of this window of time and the many available resources to prepare."